







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Hello, I'm sorry, but there is no chardonnay left, Cate. | |
| Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | |
| Because I don't want to waste more time finding a new house... | |
| Here you can take it, be careful, it's very hot. | |
| I have no idea what arborio rice is! | |
| Whose cat?... Do you mean my cat? | |
| Oh god, it's the second thing I hate doing in the kitchen! | |
| I hope you are aware it's your last 3 days to find a house... | |
| Yes, he is totally fine after resting for a while. | |
| That's very interesting! | |
| Hello Beatrix, it's me, Cate. | |
| When I have free time. | |
| He wouldn't run away, he just wants to check what's outside. | |
| I go out sometimes with the girls from school. | |
| You know some people don't like putting their ad on the internet. | |
| Is it a single or a double room? | |
| And secondly, vets are so expensive! | |
| Oh, come on dear, I was just joking, you know that... | |
| I can cook, of course, but only when I feel like it. | |
| Why do you want to live there? | |